The Weeknd & Sting Ring in 2017 at the Cosmopolitan | Vegas Seven, Seven Nights | Oct. 20-26, 2016

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October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

THE COSMOPOLITAN CAPS 2016 WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE WEEKND AND STING

By Mark Adams America’s top music acts have been celebrating New Year’s Eve with performances in New York City’s Times Square for decades now, counting down to midnight with a certain beloved bandstand host during Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. But if any NYE destination comes close to the Big Apple in terms of anticipated appearances from artists boasting some serious star power, it’s certainly Las Vegas.

In recent years, party palaces lining the Strip have booked top-tier talent to man their DJ booths in the final weekend of the year, while the Boulevard’s concert halls regularly feature popular live acts on their stages.

The bookings often reflect what the venues have in store for the next 365 days, serving as a sonic amusebouche for their entertainment calendars. If that’s true for the Chelsea this year, it’s going to be a musically diverse and rockin’ 2017 at the Cosmopolitan. The hotel announced on Monday that alt R&B star The Weeknd will take its main stage December 30, followed by a show from legendary rocker Sting on December 31.

The dual booking isn’t the Cosmopolitan’s first for NYE weekend—the hotel rang in 2013 with back-to-back sets from hometown musical heroes The Killers and veteran rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers—but Sting and The Weeknd are its most varied NYE lineup yet.

“I’m really excited about the fact that we’re able to present two world-class artists this year. I’m also happy about the fact that ... they represent different groups,” says Fedor Banuchi, the Cosmopolitan’s vice president of entertainment.

The lineup definitely bridges the gap between the demographic that grew up hearing The Police’s funky, new-wave hits on the radio and the 20-somethings who quickly downloaded The Weeknd’s sophomore Beauty Behind the Madness, which took the world by storm with singles “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills” and “Earned It.” Banuchi adds that the contrast is in line with the hotel’s well-rounded music program, a signature of the property since its December 2010 opening. “While both [acts align with] our indie spirit and what we’ve always focused on, they come [from] different decades. It’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out this year, and I’m excited to see how it goes.”

But even though the acts are different musically, they share qualities that Banuchi says made them attractive to the Cosmopolitan team for a NYE booking. Sting and The Weeknd are critical and commercial successes, each racking up a handful of coveted awards—not to mention album sales that will make your jaw drop. Also, the two artists will likely be battling each other on the charts in 2017, as both will drop new albums come November—and the hype surrounding both projects is considerable.

Sting’s 57th & 9th will be the artist’s first release in three years, and The Weeknd’s Starboy comes with collab credits from French electronic outfit Daft Punk on the title track.

“We’re always going to be focused on finding the best talent that’s available,” Banuchi says. “As time goes on, we’re also [going to try] to appeal to different demographics. What’s going on New Year’s Eve is pretty much predictive of what we’re trying to do moving forward.”

At press time, Cosmopolitan representatives couldn’t confirm whether that includes additional activations around the property featuring the headlining acts (in past years, Chelsea headliners have hosted post-concert parties at Marquee), but did say the hotel’s annual fireworks-viewing party will again be held at The Ice Rink at the Boulevard Pool. “[We’re] trying to have as many different options for New Year’s [Eve] as we can, so we can appeal to the widest variety of people,” Banuchi says.

And it seems the Cosmopolitan has achieved its goal, which should have audiophiles excited for what’s to come in the new year. Banuchi says he’s already confirmed acts for yet-to-be-announced shows. “We’re going big in 2017.” 7

The Weeknd Dec. 30, doors at 8 p.m., $150+.

Sting Dec. 31, doors at 9 p.m., $200+.

CosmopolitanLasVegas.com

October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

[ DANCE HERE ]

By Zauni Price

Revolt Nightclub in Planet Hollywood RevoltVegas.com Instagram: @RevoltVegas

October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

PART Y FORLGBT nightclub Revolt mixes ALL it up at Planet Hollywood On September 23, Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops opened the doors to new LGBT dance lounge Revolt Nightclub, taking over the first floor of Saxe Theater from 11 p.m.4 a.m. Fridays-Sundays. With the closure of other LGBT clubs on or adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard in past years—including Liaison at Bally’s—Revolt is one of few LGBT parties on the Strip right now. It is also currently the only smoke-free LGBT venue in Vegas.

Guests of the nightclub can expect a welcoming atmosphere that features a state-of-the-art light and sound experience, friendly and knowledgeable staff, drag queens and go-go dancers performing group routines. DJs at Revolt rotate throughout the weekend, all playing an open format set of Top 40 hits. Revolt also recently became the official afterparty for the Aussie Heat show at V Theatre with cast members from the all-male strip show serving as party hosts.

Entry is free until midnight, and while not required, guests are welcome to reserve spots in advance on Revolt’s guest list at RevoltVegas.com. After midnight, locals can bypass the $10 cover with a flash of their Nevada ID, but various drink specials are available for all guests throughout the weekend. The $10 cover includes an Absolut Vodka cocktail, and whistle-blowing staffers frequently jump on the bar to hand out free shots. Additionally, partygoers looking to relive the weekend’s festivities can view recap galleries on Revolt’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/RevoltVegas).

With a focus on the LGBT community and an impressive balance between the party atmosphere of a nightclub and the intimacy of a lounge, Revolt is an exciting and necessary nightlife addition on the Strip.

SEVEN NIGHTS FROM CLUBS TO CONCERTS, WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK

By Ian Caramanzana

THURSDAY 20

Get a jump on weekend shenanigans by blowing your ears out with a set by Los Angeles noise rockers HEALTH. While that may sound counterproductive, the trio has been cranking out abrasive, poppy tunes that have won the hearts and ears of thousands since 2007, so we urge you to get a taste. Songs such as “New Coke” and “Die Slow” showcase the band’s ability to craft dance-y pop bangers, with a brash, abrasive underbelly. Beyond the rockin’ tunes, the trio is also known for its hilarious Twitter account. Follow @_HEALTH_ and you’ll get amusing secondhand accounts from one of the biggest bands in indie rock. Don’t believe us?

Here’s a sample: “You know it’s a long flight when you land with zits you didn’t have at takeoff.” Take a note from the funny, noisy band at Bunkhouse.

(124 S. 11th St., 9 p.m., BunkhouseDowntown.com.)

FRIDAY 21

Welcome the weekend by catching a classic punk band at The Foundry. Bad Religion hits the North Strip to give you a dose of its L.A. attitude via loud, feedback-riddled, four-chord anthems and catchy choruses. The sextet has been rocking rooms around the world for nearly 40 years, and they’ve crafted some of the most memorable tunes such as “Infected,” “21st Century (Digital Boy)” and “Sorrow.”

Even if you don’t recognize those song titles, you’ve definitely seen the band’s logo: It’s a bold black cross with a red “NO” symbol loudly plastered over it. The logo epitomizes the band, as well as its punk-rock mentality. Florida heatseekers Against Me! open.

(In SLS, 6:30 p.m., FoundryLV.com.)

Bad Religion

October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

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DJ Mustard (right) and Dizzy Wright

SATURDAY 22

SUNDAY 23

Cap off the weekend by catching hometown hero Dizzy Wright, who brings his laid-back raps and easygoing vibe to Brooklyn Bowl. The weedloving hippie returns for a proper gig in the middle of his Still Movin tour, and we couldn’t be more excited. Here’s the reason: In “East Side,” from his recently released The 702 EP, Wright makes references to dozens of Las Vegas streets and landmarks he used to frequent.

We’re hoping he takes a mini tour of the locations he mentions while he’s in town before he takes the stage. Maybe we can catch a glimpse of The Growing Process rapper in the wild. If not, at least we can all look forward to turning up to “Floyd Money Mayweather.” (In the Linq, 7 p.m., Vegas.BrooklynBowl.com.)

MONDAY 24

Prepare yourself for a double dose of DJs over two days. It’s been more than a month since Andrew Rayel rocked the buzzworthy Electric Zoo festival in New York, and he’s still raving and recovering. The Moldovan DJ/producer flooded his social media accounts with photos of himself spinning at the main stage for weeks after the event. The trance titan revealed in an interview with The Nocturnal Times that he’s wrapping up songs for a forthcoming album, so those photos will definitely come in handy for promotional work. Be captivated by the trance vibes in his latest single, “Epiphany,” then hear it at Marquee. Perhaps he’ll even give you a peek of what’s to come. (In the Cosmopolitan, 10:30 p.m., MarqueeLasVegas.com.)

TUESDAY 25

Venture to Vanguard Lounge for some much-needed variety. Studio V is a weekly event hosted by DJ Sucio and DJ Exile that consists of an open-format extravaganza. Don’t be surprised if you hear the two fuse a Carnage banger with the latest Tyga hit. In fact, expect it.

(516 Fremont St., 10 p.m., VanguardLV.com.)

WEDNESDAY 26

Halloween is just around the corner, so get ready to welcome the spookiness with DJ Mustard. The Los Angeles producer has crafted some of the most memorable hits for artists such as YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Tinashe and Travis Scott, but he recently ran into a roadblock with Omarion for allegedly stealing parts of Chris Brown’s songs. One song in question is the star-studded “Post to Be,” which BMG Rights Management reportedly claims blatantly infringes on Brown’s “Came to Do.” Take a listen to both songs, and you may notice that while there are similarities, they are ultimately different in subject matter and melodies. We’re not sure how this is going to turn out, but a little celebration never hurt anybody. See if Mustard comes dressed as a giant bottle of the condiment at Light. (In Mandalay Bay, 10:30 p.m., TheLightVegas.com.)

DIZZY WRIGHT BY ZACH MCKEE

When it comes to releasing music, Steve Angello has been laying low lately, but for good reason. Beyond performing at festivals in Jakarta and Ibiza, the former Swedish House Mafia member has been spending time at home, working on new tunes and breaking mental sweats by reading inspirational books.

Scroll through his Facebook feed and you’ll notice that the “Knas” hitmaker is fond of posting arty black-and-white photos of what he’s doing at the moment. They consist of pages from those books, macro images of his keyboard, live shots from previous engagements or peeks at new merchandise. While we applaud Angello for getting some good R&R—he toured the world for several years, after all—we can’t help but think that he’s got cabin fever. Luckily he’ll step out of the house when he mans the decks at Omnia. OB-One tackles Heart of Omnia. (In Caesars Palace, 10:30 p.m., OmniaNightclub.com.)

October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

D OW N TOW N L AS V EG AS

10.22 Adult Books

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SATURDAYS AT THE BEER GARDEN | 8PM | 21+ | FREE PLAZA HOTEL & CASINO | 1 MAIN STREET | LAS VEGAS | plazahotelcasino.com | 702.386.2110 | #PlazaLV

PARTY WITH

PRIDE HRC’S THIRD THURSDAY The Human Rights Campaign hosts an artist meet and greet at the Forum Shops at Caesars’ Gallery of Music & Art. Guests have a chance to meet featured artists Jota Leal, Jerry Blank, Fekadu Mekasha and Pete Castro while munching on complimentary hors d’oeuvres, perusing the art and sipping on cocktails from the cash bar.

Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.

CHATTÉ PRIDE While many of Pride’s club events are geared toward gay men, the Fruit Loop’s Piranha Nightclub puts on a party for ladies and their allies Thursday night. Take in fun costumes, conversation and cocktails at one of Vegas’ veteran LGBT danceterias. Oct. 20.

By Shannon Miller

Catch Charli XCX after the Pride Parade.

CHARLI XCX The Pride party continues at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, where the pop star will give an after-parade concert. Recognized for platinum hit “Boom Clap,” Charli XCX is known to rally fans and audiences with her live performances, guaranteed to keep you dancing through the night. Oct. 21, 10 p.m.

PRIDE FESTIVAL Bring partners, family, friends, allies and pets to the annual festival at Sunset Park. Enjoy featured and local performers, get your grub and drink on at food and drink stations, and check out the 100plus exhibitors at this nonsmoking community event. Oct. 22, noon-10 p.m.; Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

NTOXXXICATED SUNDAY It’s Sunday, which means Vegas’ beloved country-western gay bar Charlie’s is doling out three-for-one drinks from 7-10 p.m. That gives you plenty of time to get buzzed before drag queen Diva Toxxx and other fabulous glamazons start to rock your world at 9:30.

Toss one—or a few—back and enjoy the drag show to wrap up your Pride weekend. Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

October 20 -26, 2016 vegasseven.com

PHOTO BY ERIK K ABIK

CELEBRATE THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AT THESE FABULOUS FETES

PRIDE PARADE Party it up at the annual nighttime procession, which begins with a preshow hosted by drag queens Adrienne Alexander and Jennifer Warner. Find yourself a good spot along the parade route, grab some food-truck grub and cheer on your favorite floats and fabulous queens as they file down Fourth Street for celebrity judges. Oct. 21, preshow 7 p.m., parade 8 p.m.

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Piranha Nightclub 4633 Paradise Rd. PiranhaVegas.com Instagram: @PiranhaVegas

oler Las Vegas’ Pride celebration will be feted in a riot of colors with Absolut Vodka coming out strong for the revelry, October 21-23. Look for those bold, rainbow bottles at Charlie’s, The Garage and Piranha Nightclub when you’re ready to get your vod-sod on after the Pride parade, festival or luau. And for a little something extra special, taste the Rainbow Cooler ($8) at Piranha.

Available through November 8, the delightfully ombré cocktail features both Absolut Vanilia and Pears vodkas as well as Malibu Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, fresh lemon sour, Mixwell Ginger Beer and splashes of Small Hands Grenadine and blue curaçao. The colorful drink was created by Absolut brand ambassador Raul Faria, a Las Vegan who takes pride in even the smallest of details.

By Xania Woodman Photography Krystal Ramirez